Covie Stanwick tried to carry Notre Dame Prep to a victory on Thursday afternoon, but Roland Park wouldn't let her do it.
Stanwick finished with 10 points in the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference game, but No. 12 Roland Park tightened its defense, became more effective on offense after early troubles and pulled out a 15-12 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame Prep.
Stanwick finished with five goals and five assists, and had a hand in 10 of the team's 12 goals. She made a number of slick passes that set up goals or good shots throughout the game. Stanwick had two goals and four assists in the first 18 minutes, when Notre Dame Prep (3-3, 3-2) went on a 5-1 run to take a 7-6 lead with 7:35 left in the half.
That's when Roland Park coach Kristin Nicolini did something she doesn't like — calling an early timeout. Nicolini adjusted her defense to double-team Stanwick and most other players in the eight-meter zone, cutting off passes and shots.
Roland Park (7-2, 4-2) also slowed the game on offense. The Reds became very patient, holding the ball for long stretches. That helped them score five straight goals to take an 11-7 lead early in the second half.
The Reds held the Blazers scoreless for 16:33 and never trailed again.
"I really think the girls responded well to what we were saying in the [timeout]," Nicolini said. "For us, it's a huge win. To beat a team as good as Notre Dame Prep, it's big."
Jenna Reifler led a balanced Roland Park attack with four goals and one assist. Madison Formwalt had three goals and two assists, and four other players finished with three points.
"After that timeout, everyone picked it up," Reifler said. "We wanted to take control of the game."
Reds goalie Lauren Knight recorded eight of her 12 saves in the second half against the potent Blazers attack.
Knight made two good saves on Stanwick in the final 13 minutes as Notre Dame Prep cut the lead to two three times but couldn't get closer.
"They definitely played great team defense," Stanwick said. "We had a lot of mistakes, and they capitalized. I think it's a great learning experience."